The month of March has two birth flowers: Daffodils and Jonquils. These two flowers hold plenty of meaning and can make an excellent gift for people born in this month.
Both flowers have histories and deeper meanings behind them, such as the emergence of new life, hope, the spring season, and positivity through hardship.
This guide will explore the history, symbolism, and other meanings both March birth flowers have, as well as other pieces of information about them.
March Birth Flower 1: Daffodils
Scientific Name: Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Native Range: Northern Africa, Mediterranean, Afghanistan, China, and Japan
Blooming Season: Early March to early May
Daffodils are some of the most beautiful plants you can find. They have distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers that can be found in several colors, including yellow, white, orange, pink, and bi-colored.
These flowers are perennials that grow from bulbs planted in the fall and emerge from the soil during the spring months. This emergence during spring features heavily in the plant’s symbolic meanings.
Daffodils are best planted in areas that get plenty of full to partial sunlight. They need a minimum of 6 hours of bright sunlight a day and moderate watering with well-drained soil to avoid sogginess.
While Daffodils can be planted and bloom as a single flower, they are more often seen in clusters. However, the clusters should be divided after a few years to avoid overcrowding.
Fun Facts About Daffodils:
- Daffodils are not ideal for mixed bouquets because they produce a toxin harmful to other flowers.
- The English poet William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud” further popularized Daffodils.
- Daffodils are the national flower of Wales.
- Daffodils are associated with St. David’s Day, during which Welsh people wear the flower.
- There are over 50 estimated species of Daffodils.
- Their blooming period lasts several weeks but can be extended to months depending on the cultivar and its growing conditions.
A Look at the History of Daffodils
Daffodils were prominent in ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome and were used for medicinal purposes. Apart from their practical uses, the flower was also popularized thanks to the myth of Narcissus, from which they take their name.
They then spread across Europe and became popular in households as ornamental flowers for their gardens. Finally, the flowers were brought to America by European settlers who missed home.
Daffodil Symbolism in Different Cultures
Greek mythology tells the story of Narcissus, a remarkably beautiful man who saw his own reflection in the water after hunting. He immediately fell in love with his reflection and was so obsessed with it that he was unable to leave the poolside, where he died. His body then transformed into a daffodil that still sat by the pool.
In other cultures, Daffodils symbolize new beginnings, rebirth, and the end of winter. They also symbolize hope, forgiveness, creativity, and positivity despite multiple hardships.
Modern imagery has connected Daffodils with concepts like cancer awareness. Apart from that, these gorgeous March birthday flowers are also closely tied to the Easter season since they symbolize new life and the resurrection of Christ.
Daffodils are also traditionally given during 10th anniversaries.
The Significance of Different Daffodil Blooms
The two main colors that Daffodils bloom in are white and yellow.
White daffodils are more often associated with innocence and purity.
Yellow daffodils are more associated with joy, new beginnings, and rebirth. They are more vibrant and therefore more associated with new life.
March Birth Flower 2: Jonquils
Scientific Name: Narcissus jonquilla
Other Common Names: Narcissus, Rush Daffodil
Blooming Season: April to May
Jonquils are very closely related to Daffodils as they are part of the same genus. This perennial flower gets its name from the Spanish term “Jonquillo,” which references its reed-like leaves.
One way to tell Jonquils apart from Daffodils is by their reed-like leaves that poke up around the flowers. Additionally, they have central coronas that are darker than the petals.
Jonquils can often be found in gardens and parks due to their beautiful appearance and sweet, strong scent.
Fun Facts About Jonquils:
- A popular superstition suggests that pointing at Jonquils prevents them from growing.
- Jonquils will only grow yellow blooms.
- Perfumes use Jonquil oil due to its sweet scent.
- Jonquils are often associated with Chinese New Year because they represent prosperity.
How Do Jonquils Differ From Daffodils?
While the terms “Jonquils” and “Daffodils” are often used interchangeably, the two flowers differ in a few key ways, including scent range and flower appearance.
Jonquils have a much stronger scent than Daffodils.
Jonquils have thinner leaves while Daffodils have wider leaves.
Daffodils can have flowers in multiple colors while Jonquils can only be yellow.
Jonquils can have multiple flowers on one stem while Daffodils typically only have one.
Daffodils are best planted in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8 while Jonquils are more suited to Hardiness Zones 8 and up.
Jonquil Native Range
While Daffodils are widespread across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, Jonquils originally came from Spain and Portugal. From there, they spread to different regions including Canada, the United States, and other European countries like Italy.
The Meanings Behind Jonquils
Jonquils share many of their symbolic meanings with Daffodils.
Jonquils symbolize spring, new beginnings, good luck, and happiness due to their vibrant colors.
In line with their growth and appearance during the spring season, they also represent anticipation, rebirth, and hope for new things.
By understanding the historical, cultural, and symbolic significance of Daffodils and Jonquils, you can appreciate why these flowers are perfect for March and make thoughtful, personalized gifts.
Copyright © 2004-2023